RF Generation Message Board

Hello folks.

Im looking for good (and easy) ways to record my gameplay. (to then be able to upload the videos to youtube for example).
I have no trouble with editing videos or uploading them. Im comfortable with that stuff, but its the recording part I would like to get some advice/help/ideas with if you got any. Im lost when it comes to recording video nowadays.

Are there any simple and comfortable ways to record video from SMS/NES/SNES/Sega Mega Drive/Genesis?
Currently I use a "hauppauge hd pvr" to record some stuff, but it does not work well with older consoles. (The audio drift and get corrupted after 5 - 10 minutes of recording). So my current workaround is to start and stop the recorder every 5-10 minutes (usually after i finish a stage in whatever game im playing).
Not Comfortable! ;)

Would, for example a "DVD Recorder" do the job? Would there be trouble finding one that can handle the input cables from older consoles? Would that be easily fixed using adaptors for example?

Of course I guess it would be possible to record using some cables and a software on the PC. BUT! Then we add those "uncomfortable" elements again i guess. Does the software work with my hardware? do i have the right settings? can i record for an hour without the filesize being to large to handle? are my audio drivers compatible? etc. etc. Not Comfortable ;)

I guess these might sound like simple questions, and I know there are a lot of ways to record. The key word here is "comfortable". My dream scenario is to start the "recorder", sit back and relax and play the game for a long time and dont have to worry about the recorder...
Any thoughts from anyone recording gameplay in here from the good old 8bit/16bit consoles?

/Malingo

i just recently bought the hauppauge hd pvr too, disappointed to find out after that it doesn't record anything older than the gamecube/ps2/xbox era well. i've heard the dvd recorder idea and that's probably the way to go. i wouldn't recommend a computer tv tuner unless you get a really high end one that you know would work well and have a computer that can handle it. i have one and it couldn't play anything, not even nes, without a lot of lag. and my computer can handle most things well (crysis on max, battlefield 3 near max 1920x1080 at 100 fps+ etc).

Thanks for the input.
Yeah. The hauppauge is a really nice tool when it comes to the newer consoles.
Hmm, i guess i would need to start searching for a suitable dvd recorder then.
Would love to hear more thoughts from other people recording out there first though :)

My setup might suit your needs.

Just hookup your NES/SNES/SMS/GEN to a TV with a audio/video output. Send the output signal to your recording hardware (I use a VHS to DVD box). Hookup your recording hardware to a nearby computer or laptop. Play game and record video on said laptop. I get to do all my recording on the comfort of a couch :)

Which "VHS to DVD box" are you using?

This one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HONESTECH-VHS-to-DVD-5-0-DELUXE-/221116801095?pt=US_Image_Video_Audio_Software&hash=item337b96a047#ht_500wt_1288

Thanks :)
Im worried about the Audio getting "out of sync" with the video when using these kind of recorders.
Have you experienced any such issues when recording with it? Does it work OK to record for longer times, like 30 minutes or maybe an hour?

Just as a slight alternative to Crabs suggestion.

The "VHS to DVD box" that I use is very old and has a lot of lag (no matter what you plug into it).  I overcame this by buying three sets of RCA splitters on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/eForCity-RCA-Female-Adapter/dp/B0021O9KCM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1346594336&sr=8-4&keywords=rca+splitters) (note the free shipping).  Run the split before the recorder and plug it into your television with the other plugged into the VHS box (which is plugged into your computer).  This will minimize costs and make sure you have lag free gameplay.

I would heavily recommend what Crab is showing you.  He's recorded a ton of videos and I've never seen any syncing problems.

Sounds good!
Ive got some of those RCA splitters already so i might try this setup :)

Good luck finding one of those in the US.

I've got some videos that are pushing 5-6 hours and didnt have any problems with the sounds syncing up.


It seems like CRTs released fairly late (2000s) had them fairly often. I've got 2 that I use out of my 3 CRT gaming TVs without specifically looking for one when buying.

As an alternative you could always run the game under emulation and fraps it, 8/16bit emulators are pretty much spot on

Another question.
What kind of computer do you use?
Windows 7?
(Im wondering how much trouble i will have installing drivers and software...)

I have it on both my HP laptop (Windows 7) and my DELL PC which is about a decade old now (Windows XP). Works great on both.

Sound very good. Thanks.
I might try and find one of these things then.
Doesn't seem to be easily available anywhere here in Sweden though so ill probably need to ship it from another part of the planet ;)

Let me know if I can help in any other way.

Heyhey! Just a quick follow up on this thread.

I received my "VHS to DVD" device today, and it works great! its the Honestech VHS to DVD 5.0 Deluxe)
Just did a quick test to record from Sega Mega Drive, and it seem to work smoothly ;)
So, many thanks again!

Test:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y85pKRTSEME

I'm glad that box is working well for you! Its done me good for the past year. Great game to kick things off with! Dont feel shy about posting more when they're ready.